PERIODICAL: THE HISTORICAL MEDAL JOURNAL

In 2013 two numismatists with an interest in historical and commemorative medallions were lamenting, over lunch, the lack of any social forum in which to share that interest with like-minded individuals. They agreed that something along the lines of the successful series of Token Congresses would be ideal and decided to sound out the viability of such an idea. Enquiries established that there would be sufficient support for such an undertaking. As a result, a society – the Historical Medallion Society – was set up with the aims of promoting the study of historical medallions, disseminating the results of such study and, in particular, organising an annual congress to further these aims.

The first Congress was held at the Hilton Hotel in Warwick in 2014 and the sixth Congress will be held at the same venue on Saturday 8th June 2019. Warwick was chosen as a conveniently central location, accessible by car or train, and at a hotel that was familiar with the needs of numismatists as several successful Token Congresses had been held there. The format of the Token Congress was used as a model. Delegates gather on Saturday morning (or Friday evening if they are coming a further distance) and a range of talks are delivered during the day, punctuated by plentiful breaks for coffee and meals. After the evening meal delegates have the opportunity to attend a bourse and acquire new items for their collection. Most choose to stay overnight: there are no lectures on the Sunday but the date chosen usually coincides with the large coin fair at the National Motorcycle Museum a shortish car journey from the hotel.

More than 20 speakers have given papers at the five congresses held so far, with wide-ranging subjects covered. These include: famous medallists such as Leonard Wyon and Mary Gillick and manufacturers Matthew Boulton and Edward Thomason, and less well known figures such as Ada Dressler; medals relating to specific groups such as the British and Foreign Sailors Society, the Nipton Horseshoeing Medal and Agricultural Societies, and the Northampton Amateur Athletic Association and medals relating to specific subjects such as Brunel’s Ships, Parliament, London Bridges, and even the cement industry! The above will hopefully provide an indication of the varied and fascinating nature of the Congress programme.

This year we have decided to move to the next stage in the Medallion society’s evolution and publish a journal of research articles, based initially on some of the talks members have given in the first five congresses, but articles on any related topic will be considered for inclusion. The publication will be called the Historical Medal Journal (HMJ) and will be based on the format used by the Token Corresponding Society. The first issue will be given free to all those attending the 2019 congress. Anyone interested in contributing an article should contact the society at the email address below.

What the above does not fully communicate is the wonderful atmosphere of the congresses. Like its parent, the token congress, its success lies in people from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and interests coming together to share their common enthusiasm. It is in the informal conversations over coffee and in the bar often late into the night that some of the best ideas are shared, medallions traded and new friends made. Above all, it is just great fun. So, if you have not tried coming to a Congress, why not give it a try in 2019. You will be made very welcome. Further details can be obtained from John Cumbers the Congress secretary: medallioncongress14@gmail.com .

For more information on the Money & Network, see:
http://www.moneyandmedals.org.uk/

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